Astros’ losses, departures not shaking Bo Porter’s resolve

MINNEAPOLIS — For two months, Bo Porter was the most enthusiastic man in Florida.

While the revamped Astros embraced their youth, 0-0 record and American League newness during spring training, the rookie manager spent February and March saying big, bright things and puffing out his chest like he was Tony La Russa instead of the youngest leader in the game.

April attacked Porter. The Astros started 1-6 and finished 8-19, and first baseman Brett Wallace was sent to Class AAA Oklahoma City after just 24 at-bats, while veteran Rick Ankiel — a Porter disciple in 2012 with Washington — would soon be released.

May didn’t let up, with constant minor league call-ups and demotions surrounding a rebuilding team attempting to shock baseball just by exceeding low expectations. June and July saw names continue to revolve, while the Astros ranked near the bottom of the majors in pitching, hitting and fielding, and again held the game’s worst record.

The first four months of Porter’s initial season as a major league manager were merely a warm-up for the challenge he faces during the final two months of the year.

Porter lost his No. 1 starter Wednesday when Bud Norris was traded to Baltimore for another promise of the future, while three scheduled starts have been erased in the last six days. Porter lost his closer Monday, when Jose Veras was shipped to Detroit for a low Class A outfielder. Veterans Carlos Pena, Philip Humber, Ronny Cedeno, Justin Maxwell and Ankiel have been replaced by an energetic but unproven team filled with 12 rookies and bearing the youngest average age (25.6 years) in the game. And while Porter’s highly competitive nature continues to try to squeeze out major league victories — evidenced by using eight pitchers Friday during a 13-inning defeat at Minnesota — the organization that hired him continues to emphasize player development and evaluation until a 2015 launch date.

Look and learn

The Houston resident knew exactly what he was agreeing to endure when he decided to become the initial leader of the Astros’ new era. But while Porter often appears immune and untouchable when cameras and recorders are around, he’s human and fallible like all 30 major league managers. The first four months of the 2013 campaign tested his resolve. The final two could change him and the Astros’ immediate future.

“I’ve stressed to (the players), this next two months we want to pick up as much momentum and as much confidence that will allow us to start next season with more confidence as a ballclub,” Porter said.

Norris and Veras are gone. Pena and Ankiel were discarded. Former No. 2 starter Lucas Harrell is still hanging on as a reluctant reliever, but the club’s best overall pitcher in 2012 could lose his spot on the 25-man roster before the year is complete.

Together, it’s the first-year Porter and an Astros version of the Class AAA Oklahoma City RedHawks. However, the big league team’s current minor league feel may allow Porter to successfully bridge 2013 with 2014.

“Guys are realists in this clubhouse. … Guys have a positive outlook in this situation in knowing that it’s a chance for everyone to learn at the big league level, which is not afforded to a lot of people,” said reliever Wesley Wright, a six-year veteran and the longest-tenured Astro. “Hopefully we can take advantage of this opportunity and get better until the end of the season and going into spring training.”

Many teams would have been shaken by the late July departures of two veterans and pre-trade-deadline exits of the club’s two most successful pitchers. But during the days that followed Norris becoming an Oriole and Veras becoming a Tiger, the Astros answered another long string of losses — the squad entered Saturday just 3-12 since the All-Star break — with simple baseball joy.

Tension and uncertainty were relieved. Crowds grew larger for clubhouse card games, batting practice sessions and Internet video humor. There was a Saturday morning trip to a mall, a growing bond between Latin-American players — including Jose Altuve, Jonathan Villar and Jose Cisnero — and an obvious glad-to-be here vibe that surrounded a young group of little-known athletes who previously accepted long bus rides and cheap pay as the price for eventual major league life.

Youth on parade

“Those veterans we had … all those guys were awesome and they taught us a lot. They were really stabilizing forces in our clubhouse,” said Wallace, who has played 38 games for the Astros this season and 60 for the RedHawks. “But the biggest thing now is it’s time for us to take ownership of our own clubhouse. We have a great group of guys … a good mix of outgoing guys, quiet guys. And it’s really an opportunity for a lot of us to be leaders and really just try to make sure the team keeps pushing in the right direction.”

Less-is-more trades, constant roster shakeups, 33 one-run games and six streaks of at least five losses still haven’t shaken Porter’s resolve. He’s committed to general manager Jeff Luhnow’s long-term vision and understands more change is coming as a challenging August schedule and the threat of a third consecutive 100-loss season give way to September callups and an even stronger organizational push to experiment with the future.

But Porter does have a breaking point. A Veras-less bullpen features four rookies — two of whom were called up Monday from Oklahoma City — and no closer, and it blew two more saves Friday. The Astros’ offense entered Saturday leading the majors with 1,014 strikeouts and set a record Thursday by reaching 1,000 K’s in just 107 games. And then there is just bad, embarrassing baseball.

Saturday, the Astros allowed the Twins to take a 3-1 second-inning lead when a Brian Dozier strikeout turned into a Clete Thomas steal of home. After Dozier was erased, Doug Bernier was caught in a rundown between first and second base during a steal attempt. With the ball in hand, Astros second baseman Jose Altuve forced Bernier back to first. An out was never recorded, though, and as Altuve approached first baseman Wallace, Thomas easily crossed home.

Big-picture approach

Porter is willing to lose in 2013 to win in 2015 and beyond. He knew in February the six-month marathon that awaited would often be grueling and sometimes brutal. But the 25 Astros in uniform must continue to learn, develop and evolve. If not, the final two months of 2013 will be more about a third consecutive season setting a franchise record for defeats than a rebuild that is still years away from paying off.

“I’m stressing to these guys, pay attention to the game. Not just your players — watch the other team’s players, watch the game,” Porter said. “I call this young generation the ‘SportsCenter’ generation. … I’ve stressed to these guys over and over: Don’t have the ‘SportsCenter’ mentality. Watch the game in its entirety, see what’s going on and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn and not wait for someone else to teach it to you.”

<center><strong>Sept: 29: Yankees 5, Astros 1 (14 innings)</center></strong><br>
Jarred Cosart couldn't bear to watch as the worst season in Astros' history came to an excruciating end in extra innings. less

<center><strong>Sept: 29: Yankees 5, Astros 1 (14 innings)</center></strong><br>
Jarred Cosart couldn't bear to watch as the worst season in Astros' history came to an excruciating end in extra ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Sept: 28: Yankees 2, Astros 1</center></strong><br>
Andy Pettitte went out in style by shutting down the Astros in a complete game for his last start as a MLB player.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-110. less

<center><strong>Sept: 28: Yankees 2, Astros 1</center></strong><br>
Andy Pettitte went out in style by shutting down the Astros in a complete game for his last start as a MLB ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Sept: 27: Yankees 3, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
The Astros 13th straight loss also gives them a new record in losses for a single season (109). The Yankees held on and closed out the Astros without even having to bring in Mariano Rivera.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-109. less

<center><strong>Sept: 27: Yankees 3, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
The Astros 13th straight loss also gives them a new record in losses for a single season (109). The Yankees held on and closed out the ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Sept. 25: Rangers 7, Astros 3</center></strong><br>
Brandon Laird's fifth home run of the year gave the Astros a 3-1 fourth-inning lead, but the Rangers attacked Dallas Keuchel in the bottom half of the inning to take the lead for good - sending the Astros to their 12th straight loss and franchise-worst 108th loss.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-108. less

<center><strong>Sept. 25: Rangers 7, Astros 3</center></strong><br>
Brandon Laird's fifth home run of the year gave the Astros a 3-1 fourth-inning lead, but the Rangers attacked Dallas Keuchel in the bottom ... more

Photo: Paul Moseley / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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<center><strong>Sept. 24: Rangers 3, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
Houston was not mystified like it has been by Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, but the Astros couldn't secure their early lead.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-107. less

<center><strong>Sept. 24: Rangers 3, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
Houston was not mystified like it has been by Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, but the Astros couldn't secure their early ... more

<center><strong>Sept. 22: Indians 9, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
Erik Bedard was touched up for six runs on eight hits as the Indians overcome an early 2-0 deficit to rout the Astros and hand them their ninth straight loss.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-105. less

<center><strong>Sept. 22: Indians 9, Astros 2</center></strong><br>
Erik Bedard was touched up for six runs on eight hits as the Indians overcome an early 2-0 deficit to rout the Astros and hand them their ... more

Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Sept. 21: Indians 4, Astros 1</center></strong><br>
Cleveland struck for three first-inning runs and the Astros were not able to get on the board until the ninth inning as the Indians extended the Astros' season-long eight-game losing streak.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-104. less

<center><strong>Sept. 21: Indians 4, Astros 1</center></strong><br>
Cleveland struck for three first-inning runs and the Astros were not able to get on the board until the ninth inning as the Indians ... more

Photo: Mark Duncan / Associated Press

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<center><strong>Sept. 20: Indians 2, Astros 1 (7)</center></strong><br>
Three errors committed by the Astros contributed to this rain-shortened loss to Cleveland.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-103. less

<center><strong>Sept. 20: Indians 2, Astros 1 (7)</center></strong><br>
Three errors committed by the Astros contributed to this rain-shortened loss to Cleveland.
<strong>Record:</strong> ... more

Photo: Jason Miller / Getty Images

Image 13 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 19: Indians 2, Astros 1 (11)</center></b>
The Astros lost their second extra-inning game in a row as Cleveland rallies past Houston in the 11th inning.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-102. less

<center><b>Sept. 19: Indians 2, Astros 1 (11)</center></b>
The Astros lost their second extra-inning game in a row as Cleveland rallies past Houston in the 11th inning.
<strong>Record:</strong> ... more

<center><b>Sept. 15: Angles 2, Astros 1</center></b>
Houston inched closer to a 100-loss season and lost the series to Los Angeles.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-98.

<center><b>Sept. 15: Angles 2, Astros 1</center></b>
Houston inched closer to a 100-loss season and lost the series to Los Angeles.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-98.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>Sept. 14: Angles 6, Astros 2</center></b>
The Astros found themselves down four runs after the fourth inning and weren't able to come back as the Angels took the second game of the series.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-97. less

<center><b>Sept. 14: Angles 6, Astros 2</center></b>
The Astros found themselves down four runs after the fourth inning and weren't able to come back as the Angels took the second game of the ... more

Photo: Eric Christian Smith / Associated Press

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<center><b>Sept. 13: Astros 9, Angels 7</center></b>
Cody Clark, a 32-year-old, had his first major-league hit for Houston against Los Angeles.
<strong>Record:</strong> 51-96. less

<center><b>Sept. 13: Astros 9, Angels 7</center></b>
Cody Clark, a 32-year-old, had his first major-league hit for Houston against Los Angeles.
<strong>Record:</strong> ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 11: Astros 6, Mariners 1</center></b>
The Astros got their 50th win of the season thanks to a solid starting pitching performance from Brad Peacock and an early cushion.
<strong>Record:</strong> 50-96. less

<center><b>Sept. 11: Astros 6, Mariners 1</center></b>
The Astros got their 50th win of the season thanks to a solid starting pitching performance from Brad Peacock and an early ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

Image 23 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 10: Astros 13, Mariners 2</center></b>
The Astros tattooed Mariners pitchers to the tune of 13 runs in Seattle, taking the second straight game in the three-game set.
<strong>Record:</strong> 49-96. less

<center><b>Sept. 10: Astros 13, Mariners 2</center></b>
The Astros tattooed Mariners pitchers to the tune of 13 runs in Seattle, taking the second straight game in the three-game ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

Image 24 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 9: Astros 6, Mariners 4</center></b>
Jimmy Paredes came through in the ninth inning to tie the game and Jonathan Villar broke the tie in the next at bat with a two-run single giving the Astros the lead for good.
<strong>Record:</strong> 48-96. less

<center><b>Sept. 9: Astros 6, Mariners 4</center></b>
Jimmy Paredes came through in the ninth inning to tie the game and Jonathan Villar broke the tie in the next at bat with a two-run single giving the ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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<center><b>Sept. 8: A's 7, Astros 2</center></b>
Lucas Harrell got the surprise start, but the A's didn't care who was pitching as they roughed him up for seven runs in the third inning.
<strong>Record:</strong> 47-96. less

<center><b>Sept. 8: A's 7, Astros 2</center></b>
Lucas Harrell got the surprise start, but the A's didn't care who was pitching as they roughed him up for seven runs in the third ... more

Photo: Jason O. Watson / Getty Images

Image 27 of 204

<center><b>Sept. 7: A's 2, Astros 1</center></b>
Houston came up short in the third game of the series in Oakland.
<strong>Record:</strong> 47-95.

<center><b>Sept. 7: A's 2, Astros 1</center></b>
Houston came up short in the third game of the series in Oakland.
<strong>Record:</strong> 47-95.

Photo: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press

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<center><b>Sept. 6: A's 7, Astros 5</center></b>
The Astros couldn't hold onto an early lead in Oakland as the A's rallied to take the second game of the series.
<strong>Record:</strong> 47-94. less

<center><b>Sept. 6: A's 7, Astros 5</center></b>
The Astros couldn't hold onto an early lead in Oakland as the A's rallied to take the second game of the series.
<strong>Record:</strong> ... more